Latest Cancer News
United States Preventive Task Force Provides Recommendations for Colorectal Cancer Screening
(10/10/2008)
The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently issued recommendations for the screening of colorectal cancer. These recommendations were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
NSAIDs May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer
(10/10/2008)
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), including both aspirin and ibuprofen, appears to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Risk of Colon Cancer Associated with Genetic Variants
(10/08/2008)
Genetic changes in the surrounding region of the ADIPQ gene are associated with a decrease in the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Results such as these may aid in the understanding of genetic risk of various cancers, ultimately changing the way in which cancer is managed. These results were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Nexavar® May Overcome Resistance to Arimidex® in Breast Cancer
(10/08/2008)
The addition of Nexavar® (sorafenib) to Arimidex® (anastrozole) helps restore sensitivity to Arimidex among women with breast cancer. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) breast cancer symposium.
Arimidex® Not Associated with Cognitive Impairment Among Postmenopausal Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer
(10/07/2008)
The use of the aromatase inhibitor Arimidex® (anastrozole) does not appear to be associated with cognitive impairment among postmenopausal women at a high risk of developing breast cancer. These results were recently published in the Lancet Oncology.
Single Reading with Computer-aided Detection Equivalent to Double Reading of Mammograms
(10/07/2008)
The results of a study recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicate that using computer-aided detection (computer programs that identify suspicious areas on mammograms) along with a single reader of mammograms could be an alternative to using double readers and could also improve the cancer detection rate from mammograms that are read by a single reader.
Addition of Avastin® to Tarceva® Does Not Appear to Improve Survival in Patients with Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
(10/06/2008)
According to the results of a Phase III clinical trial, treatment with Avastin® (bevacizumab) plus Tarceva® (erlotinib) did not result in better survival than treatment with Tarceva alone among patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease had progressed following platinum-based chemotherapy. These results were recently published in a press release by Genentech.
Proteins in Saliva May Detect Oral Cancer
(10/03/2008)
Proteins that can be detected within saliva may be effective in identifying the presence of oral cancer. These results were recently published in Clinical Cancer Research.
Possible Link between Hepatitis B Virus and Pancreatic Cancer
(10/02/2008)
The results of a recent study at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas indicate that exposure to the Hepatitis B virus may be associated with the development of pancreatic cancer. The study was recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Hormone Therapy May Not Increase Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women with a BRCA1 Mutation
(10/02/2008)
According to the results of a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, hormone therapy for postmenopausal women with a BRCA1 mutation does not appear to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Treatment Guidelines for Patients with Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma Multiforme
(10/01/2008)
For the first time ever, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) Section on Tumors has issued treatment guidelines for patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme. The guidelines were published in the September issue of the Journal of Neuro-Oncology.
Survival Rates Improving in Childhood Hematologic Cancers
(09/29/2008)
Five- and 10-year survival rates in childhood hematalogic cancers have significantly improved since 1990, according to the results of a study recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
(09/29/2008)
As the month of October brings breast cancer into focus, it’s a great time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated breast cancer information throughout the year.
Continuous Low-dose Chemotherapy Effective Against Anthracycline-resistant Breast Cancer
(09/26/2008)
The use of low-dose Taxotere® (docetaxel) on a weekly basis plus Xeloda® (capecitabine) on a daily basis provided benefit for a significant portion of patients with breast cancer that has stopped responding to anthracyclines. The addition of Celebrex® (celecoxib), however, did not provide any additional benefit. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) breast cancer symposium.
Cell Phone Use Does Not Increase Risk of Developing Meningioma Brain Cancer
(09/26/2008)
Researchers from Finland, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Norway have reported that long-term data do not indicate an association between the use of cell phones and an increased risk of meningioma. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Hypnosis Decreases Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Survivors
(09/25/2008)
Hypnosis appears to reduce hot flashes in breast cancer survivors. These results were published in an early online publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Stereotactic Radiation Improves Local Control but Not Survival in Lung Cancer
(09/25/2008)
The addition of stereotactic radiation therapy in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) improves disease control at the site of cancer and appears to reduce NSCLC-related deaths but does not improve overall survival. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO).
Shorter Radiation Course as Effective as Longer Course in Early Breast Cancer
(09/23/2008)
A shorter course and lower doses of radiation therapy to the breast results in equivalent outcomes among patients with early breast cancer who have undergone surgery compared to the standard longer course and higher doses. These results were recently presented at a plenary session at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO).
Adding Erbitux® to Radiation Improves Survival in Head and Neck Cancer
(09/23/2008)
The addition of the targeted agent Erbitux® (cetuximab) to radiation therapy significantly improves survival compared with radiation therapy only. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation and Oncology (ASTRO).
Breast Cancer Survivorship 101
(09/22/2008)
You’ve completed treatment for breast cancer, and you’ve been told it’s time to look ahead. But what do you need to know to navigate this new part of the cancer journey?
Five-year Screening Interval for Colorectal Cancer Safe Following Normal Colonoscopy
(09/18/2008)
Individuals who have normal results on their colonoscopy don’t need to undergo another colonoscopy for at least five years. These findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
CT Colonography Accurately Detects Large Colon Cancers
(09/18/2008)
The use of computed tomographic colonography (CTC) accurately detects 90% of large colon cancers among patients who do not exhibit any symptoms of colon cancer. These results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
ER-CHOP Promising for Diffuse Large B-Cell NHL
(09/17/2008)
The treatment combination consisting of epratuzumab, Rituxan® (rituximab), and the chemotherapy combination referred to as CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) provides high anticancer responses when used as initial therapy for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. These findings were recently reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Genasense® Improves Outcomes in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
(09/17/2008)
The addition of Genasense® (oblimersen, Bcl-2 antisense) to chemotherapy appears to improve outcomes among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) compared with chemotherapy only. These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
EndoTAG™-1 Shows Promise in Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
(09/17/2008)
According to the results of a Phase II clinical trial, the addition of the investigational drug EndoTAG™-1 to chemotherapy with Gemzar® (gemcitabine) may improve survival among patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. These results were presented at the 33rd Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
Denosumab Reduces the Risk of Bone Fractures
(09/17/2008)
According to the results of a Phase III clinical trial, treatment with denosumab significantly reduces the risk of vertebral and hip fractures among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. These results were presented at the 2008 meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
The Gynecologic Oncology Group: Advancing The Prevention And The Treatment Of Gynecologic Cancers
(09/16/2008)
The Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG), established in 1970 by a group of gynecologic surgeons interested in promoting a “collaborative research effort, not only among institutions but also among the various disciplines involved in the treatment of women with gynecologic cancers,” conducts research that has set the standard of care for many gynecologic cancers and has also addressed issues of quality of life and cancer prevention. The work of the GOG encompasses all gynecologic cancers, including cancers of the ovary, cervix, and uterus.
Gardasil® Approved for Prevention of Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
(09/15/2008)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the indication for Gardasil® (Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus [Types 6, 11, 16, 18] Recombinant Vaccine) for the prevention of cancers of the vagina and vulva.
Sancuso® Approved for Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting
(09/15/2008)
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Sancuso® (Granisetron Transdermal System) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). Sancuso is a patch that is placed on the skin and delivers five continuous days of symptom control for patients receiving moderate or highly nausea-inducing therapy.
Coffee, Tea, and...Cancer?
(09/15/2008)
Diverse theories on coffee and tea and our health have many of us wondering whether to quit, cut back, or keep sipping. Current research provides some interesting answers about the impact of your daily fix.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America® Offers Free Subscriptions to Women&Cancer Magazine in Support of Stand Up To Cancer
(09/15/2008)
Women&Cancer is the premier women’s health and wellness magazine. By covering all health and wellness issues with an emphasis on cancer prevention, early detection, management and survivorship, Women&Cancer empowers women with regard to their own health and recognizes the unique role of women in the overall health of their family and friends.
Rituxan® May Be Effective in Central Nervous System Lymphomas
(09/11/2008)
Rituxan® (rituximab) may be effective in the treatment of lymphoma that affects the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). These results were recently presented at the 2008 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Oncotype DX® Accurately Determines HER2 Status in Breast Cancer
(09/11/2008)
Oncotype DX® appears to determine HER2 status as accurately as standard laboratory testing methods. By the end of 2008, Genomic Health intends to provide HER2 status with results from all Oncotype DX testing. These results were recently presented at the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Breast Meeting.
Palliative Care Teams Reduce Health Costs
(09/15/2008)
Consultation with palliative care teams significantly reduces costs for patients undergoing palliative care. These results were recently published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Oncotype DX® Adds to Information from Adjuvant! Online for Node-negative and Node-positive Hormone Receptor-positive Breast Cancer Patients
(09/10/2008)
Use of Oncotype DX® contributes information about treatment of hormone-positive breast cancer with up to three positive lymph nodes in addition to that already available on Adjuvant! Online. These results were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Does Eating More Fruit and Vegetables Reduce the Risk of Breast Cancer?
(09/10/2008)
Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer often pay extra attention to their diet as a way to prevent recurrence of their cancer. Healthcare professionals and researchers alike have long suspected a correlation between healthful eating patterns and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as certain forms of cancer and heart disease.
Dose Intensity Associated with Survival in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
(09/09/2008)
Relative dose intensity (RDI) remains a key factor in the outcomes of patients with non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). These results have been validated in several multicenter clinical studies.
New Study Confirms Increased Incidence of Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus in White Americans
(09/04/2008)
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health have reported that between 1975 and 2004, the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus increased by 463% in White males and 335% in White females. The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on August 11, 2008.
Non-melanoma Skin Cancer Associated with Increased Risk of Other Cancers
(09/04/2008)
Individuals who have been diagnosed with squamous cell or basal cell carcinoma have an increased risk of developing subsequent cancers other than skin cancer. These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
September Is National Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
(09/02/2008)
As the month of September brings leukemia and lymphoma into focus, it’s a great time to increase public understanding of these diseases, including their prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated leukemia and lymphoma information throughout the year.
Zometa® Helps Prevent Bone Loss in Early Breast Cancer
(08/29/2008)
Including Zometa® (zoledronic acid) in a treatment regimen for early breast cancer reduces bone loss associated with endocrine therapy among premenopausal women. These results were recently published in the Lancet Oncology.
Genetic Characteristics of Hepatitis B Associated with Risk of Liver Cancer
(08/29/2008)
Different genetic characteristics of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with varying risks of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. These results were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Addition of Velcade® to Standard Therapy Improves Survival in Multiple Myeloma
(08/29/2008)
In the treatment of multiple myeloma, the addition of Velcade® (bortezomib) to Alkeran® (melphalan) and prednisone significantly improves progression-free and overall survival compared with Alkeran/prednisone only. These results were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
September Is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
(08/29/2008)
As the month of September brings prostate cancer into focus, it’s a great time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated prostate cancer information throughout the year.
September Is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
(08/28/2008)
As the month of September brings ovarian cancer into focus, it’s a great time to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated ovarian cancer information throughout the year.
A-Type Lamins Associated with Aggressive Colorectal Cancer
(08/27/2008)
Proteins called A-type lamins appear to indicate the presence of aggressive disease in patients with colorectal cancer. A-type lamins may also play a role in determining treatment options among these patients. These results were recently published in the journal PLoS ONE.
Maintenance Rituxan® Is Cost-effective for Follicular Lymphoma
(08/26/2008)
Continued treatment (maintenance therapy) with Rituxan® (rituximab) appears to be cost-effective, as well as safe and effective, in the treatment of follicular lymphoma, a form of low-grade non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These results were recently published in the journal Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma.
Dietary Flavonoids Reduce Risk of Ovarian Cancer
(08/26/2008)
High consumption of plant-based foods that contain flavonoids may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by nearly half. These results were recently published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Zevalin® Effective for Treatment of Cutaneous B-Cell Lymphoma
(08/25/2008)
Zevalin® (Yttrium-90 [(90)Y] ibritumomab tiuxetan) appears highly effective in the treatment of primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL). The details of this study appeared in an early online publication in Leukemia-Lymphoma on July 25, 2008.
Zevalin® Effective for Patients with Follicular Lymphoma Following an Autologous Transplant
(08/25/2008)
Zevalin® (Yttrium-90 [(90)Y] ibritumomab tiuxetan) appears to provide effective, long-term anticancer responses for patients with follicular lymphoma whose cancer has progressed following an autologous stem cell transplant. The details of this small study appeared in an early online publication of Leukemia-Lymphoma of July 15, 2008.